“It’ll ruin ya’,” said Steve with a knowing grin as he adjusted the Specialized Turbo Levo Comp Carbon I had rented for the day. I wasn’t entirely sure what he meant, but I had a feeling I was about to find out. This was my first experience on an eMTB, and we weren’t just tackling some mild trails—we were about to do a downhill run through the stunning aspen forests of Park City, Utah, followed by an… uphill run?
I had heard e-mountain bikes made climbing easier, but looking at the actual mountains surrounding me, I was starting to wonder if my day would end with an air-evac!
From DIY Trails to eMTB
I’ve been riding bikes down mountains (I wouldn’t go as far as to say I was always on a MOUNTAIN bike) for over 40 years— since before I even knew what a mountain bike was. My friends and I in upstate New York barreled down makeshift “trails” on whatever two-wheeled machines we could get our hands on, including my prized blue-on-blue 24” Huffy Omni 10 ten-speed racer. One of our favorite runs ended in a glorious, splash-filled jump straight into Croton Falls Reservoir. (If our parents only knew…)
Fast forward a few decades, and I was still at it, riding my aging, but trusty, hardtail. But as I neared my 55th lap around the sun, I found myself struggling more on steep climbs, and pulling over a little too often to let younger (or better-conditioned) riders pass. I had been saving up for a full-suspension upgrade, but something kept me from pulling the trigger.
Then, on a serendipitous 2023 business trip to Park City, fate (and my wife’s gentle prodding) pushed me to hire a guide and try out an eMTB. That’s how I found myself in the back of a pickup truck, heading up a mountain with Steve, my guide from White Pine Touring. As we climbed higher, the crisp air and anticipation sent shivers down my spine. The thought of the upcoming descent was thrilling, but the climb back up? Let’s just say my expectations were… low.
First Impressions: The eMTB Revelation
The first thing I noticed when I swung a leg over the bike was how surprisingly natural it felt, even before turning on the power. Yes, it was heavier than my hardtail, but the balance and ride quality were smooth, and confidence inspiring. Then came the moment of truth. I hit the power button and gave a half-crank on the pedals.
BOOM.
The bike surged forward with a boost that felt like I had suddenly gained superhuman strength. I laughed out loud. No wonder some new riders get intimidated by their own eMTBs! Steve advised against going full Turbo mode right away, saving it for when I really needed it. Smart move.
While riding circles in the parking lot, Steve told me that some first-time eMTB riders overuse the power, crash or get overwhelmed, and either regret their purchase or stop riding altogether. He emphasized that it’s important to ride within your skill set. The bike’s weight and geometry will create a different ride experience, so a guided test ride or some research before buying is highly recommended.
After a few more warm-up loops in the parking lot, it was time to hit the trail.
The Ride of a Lifetime
The downhill run was pure magic. We carved through golden aspen tunnels, the kind of scenery you see in adventure films. Occasionally, the trees would part, revealing jaw-dropping views of the valley below. I was completely in the moment, riding with the confidence and agility I hadn’t felt in years.
And then we hit the bottom. Time to climb.
I braced myself for the grind, but within minutes, my expectations were completely shattered. The climb was fun! Not effortless—I still had to work for it—but the eMTB turned what would have been a lung-busting slog into an exhilarating challenge. I kept it in the middle assist mode for almost the entire ascent, only tapping Turbo mode once. I even caught air on a few small jumps—going uphill!
By the time we reached the top, I had a goofy grin plastered across my face. I was hooked. Steve must have seen it a hundred times before.
“See what I mean?” he said, laughing.
Oh, I saw.
Hooked on eMTB
If I had been within arm’s reach of my credit card, I probably would have walked out of the shop with a brand-new eMTB that day. Lucky for my wallet, I had a four-hour flight home to let the impulse wear off. But the decision had been made: my next bike was going to have a motor.
More importantly, I had a new perspective. eMTBs aren’t “cheating.” They’re an expansion pack for your riding adventures. Suddenly, trails that had been too long or climbs that felt out of reach were back in play. I wasn’t replacing the challenge—I was unlocking new possibilities.
Less than a year later, I was home, in Georgia, riding trails that I have not ridden in years. On my new eMTB! But that is a tale for another time.
Thinking About Trying an eMTB?
If you’ve been curious about e-mountain biking—whether you’re new to the sport or a seasoned rider wondering if it’s “cheating”—do yourself a favor: go test ride one. Rent an eMTB for a day. Find a local trail. If possible, book a guided ride to get the most out of the experience.
You might just end up grinning ear to ear, like I did.
And be warned: It’ll ruin ya’.